India: Four soldiers killed in Chhattisgarh state October 27

Event

On Saturday, October 27, an Indian military vehicle hit a landmine or improvised explosive device (IED) in Bijapur district (Chhattisgarh state) on Saturday, October 27. According to a military spokesperson, at least four soldiers were killed in the blast. Further attacks by Maoist insurgents are possible in Chhattisgarh state in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Maoist insurgents (Naxalites) have been active for several decades in rural areas of the states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkand, Odisha, Bihar, and West Bengal, as well as in the border region around Andra Pradesh. On May 24, an IED blast killed two soldiers in Puswada (Sukma district). On May 20, seven policemen were killed by an IED near the village of Cholnar, in the Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh state.

Advice

Individuals in Chhattisgarh state are advised to monitor developments to the situation and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities. Remain vigilant for potential militant activity, particularly if planning on traveling to rural areas of the abovementioned states.